What Was Michael Jackson’s Last Song? Discover the King of Pop’s Final Musical Legacy.

Michael Jackson was one of the most iconic musicians of all time, known for his incredible voice, electrifying performances, and groundbreaking music videos.

He released countless hit songs throughout his career, but many fans are curious about what his last song was before his untimely death in 2009.

There has been some debate and speculation surrounding Michael Jackson’s last song, but according to various sources, the last track he recorded before his death was “Best of Joy.”

This soulful and emotional track was released on his posthumous album, “Michael,” which came out in 2010.

Despite the fact that Jackson was no longer alive when the album was released, “Best of Joy” showcases his incredible talent and serves as a fitting tribute to his legacy.

While “Best of Joy” was the last song that Michael Jackson recorded, it’s worth noting that it wasn’t necessarily the last song he ever performed.

His final live performance was reportedly “Earth Song,” which he rehearsed on June 24, 2009, just two days before his death.

The rehearsal was captured on video and has been viewed by millions of fans around the world.

Despite the tragedy of his passing, Michael Jackson’s music continues to inspire and move people to this day.

The Last Song: ‘This Is It’

Michael Jackson’s last song was ‘This Is It,’ which was released posthumously in 2009. The song was co-written by Michael Jackson and Paul Anka, a Canadian singer-songwriter. ‘This Is It’ was recorded by Jackson and featured as a track on the album of the same name, which accompanies the 2009 concert documentary Michael Jackson’s This Is It.

The song ‘This Is It’ was premiered worldwide on Jackson’s official website on October 12, 2009, four months after his death. The song was reportedly written by Jackson in 1983 under the title of ‘I Never Heard.’ It was co-written by Paul Anka, whose 1957 chart-topper ‘Diana’ was one of the biggest hits of the decade.

The song ‘This Is It’ is a string-backed ballad that features Jackson’s signature vocal style. The lyrics of the song are emotional and uplifting, with Jackson singing about seizing the moment and living life to the fullest. The song’s chorus is particularly poignant, with Jackson singing, “This is it, here I stand, I’m the light of the world, I feel grand.”

The song ‘This Is It’ was included on the album of the same name, which was released on October 26, 2009, one day before the film’s theatrical release. The album features several unreleased tracks, including ‘This Is It,’ and serves as a tribute to Michael Jackson’s musical legacy.

Overall, ‘This Is It’ is a fitting tribute to Michael Jackson’s talent and artistry. The song showcases Jackson’s vocal range and emotional depth, and its lyrics are a testament to his enduring legacy.

Context and Background

Michael Jackson’s Music Career

Michael Jackson was an American singer, songwriter, and dancer who is widely regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. He began his music career as a child in the 1960s as a member of the Jackson 5, a group composed of him and his siblings. The Jackson 5 quickly became a sensation, and Michael Jackson’s talent as a lead singer was evident from a young age.

The Jackson 5 Era

As part of the Jackson 5, Michael Jackson released a string of hits, including “ABC”, “I Want You Back”, and “Never Can Say Goodbye”. The group was signed to Motown Records, and their music was characterized by catchy melodies, upbeat rhythms, and Michael Jackson’s distinctive voice.

The Jackson 5 era was a pivotal period in Michael Jackson’s career, and it laid the foundation for his later success as a solo artist.

Solo Artist Journey

In the 1980s, Michael Jackson embarked on a solo career that would cement his status as a music icon. He released a series of groundbreaking albums, including “Off the Wall”, “Thriller”, and “Bad”, which showcased his versatility as an artist and his ability to push the boundaries of popular music.

Michael Jackson’s solo music was characterized by his unique voice, his innovative music videos, and his electrifying live performances.

Throughout his career, Michael Jackson was known for his distinctive style, his incredible talent, and his ability to connect with audiences around the world. His music has had a lasting impact on the music industry and continues to inspire new generations of artists.

This Is It Analysis

Lyrics and Meaning

“This Is It” is a song co-written by Michael Jackson and Paul Anka. The song was recorded by Michael Jackson and featured as a track on the album of the same name which accompanies the 2009 concert documentary Michael Jackson’s This Is It. The song was premiered worldwide on Jackson’s official website on October 12, 2009, four months after his death.

The lyrics of “This Is It” talk about a final curtain call, a last chance to give it all. The song is an emotional and powerful ballad that reflects on the end of Jackson’s life and career. The song is a fitting tribute to Jackson’s legacy, as it captures the essence of his artistry and his message of love and unity.

Music and Production

The music of “This Is It” is a blend of pop and R&B, with a slow tempo and a smooth melody. The song features Jackson’s signature falsetto vocals, backed by a choir of background singers. The instrumentation is minimal, with a piano and a string section providing the main accompaniment.

The production of “This Is It” is top-notch, with a clear and polished sound that showcases Jackson’s vocals. The song was produced by Michael Jackson, John McClain, and Paul Anka.

Overall, “This Is It” is a beautiful and poignant song that serves as a fitting tribute to Michael Jackson’s life and career. The song captures the essence of Jackson’s artistry and message, and it stands as a testament to his enduring legacy in the music industry.

The Making of ‘This Is It’

‘This Is It’ is a song co-written by Michael Jackson and Canadian singer-songwriter Paul Anka. The song was recorded by Jackson and featured as a track on the album of the same name which accompanies the 2009 concert documentary Michael Jackson’s This Is It.

The recording of ‘This Is It’ was done during the rehearsals of the planned 50-date concert series in London’s O2 arena. The song was originally written in the 1980s by Michael Jackson, and was later completed by Paul Anka after Jackson’s death. Quincy Jones, who had worked with Jackson on his previous albums, was not involved in the making of this song.

The song features a ballad-like melody with Jackson’s signature vocal style and a strong beat. The lyrics of the song are about a person trying to make the most of their time and living life to the fullest.

‘This Is It’ was not the last song Michael Jackson recorded before his death. In fact, it was one of the last songs he wrote and recorded for his 2001 album ‘Invincible’. The song was co-written by Michael Jackson, Rodney Jerkins, and Fred Jerkins III.

‘This Is It’ was not the only song that was planned to be performed during the concerts. Other songs that were planned to be performed include ‘Billie Jean’, ‘Thriller’, ‘Beat It’, and ‘Black or White’. The concerts were expected to be a huge success, with all 50 shows selling out within hours of going on sale.

This Is It Concert and Film

Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” was a planned concert residency that was scheduled to take place at the O2 Arena in London between July 13, 2009, and March 6, 2010. However, the concerts were canceled following Jackson’s death on June 25, 2009.

The “This Is It” concert series was supposed to be a comeback tour for Michael Jackson, and it was highly anticipated by his fans all over the world. The tour was set to feature 50 shows, and the tickets sold out within hours of being released.

The documentary film “Michael Jackson’s This Is It” was released in 2009, and it features footage of Michael Jackson’s rehearsals and preparation for the concert series. The film was pieced together from over 80 hours of rehearsal footage, and it gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the tour.

The film includes footage of Jackson’s performances of some of his most iconic songs, including “Billie Jean,” “Thriller,” and “Smooth Criminal.” It also features interviews with some of the people involved in the making of the tour, including the choreographer, the musical director, and the costume designer.

The film was a commercial success, grossing over $261 million worldwide. It was also well-received by critics, who praised the film for its insight into the making of the tour and for its celebration of Michael Jackson’s talent and legacy.

Discography Highlights

Notable Albums

Michael Jackson’s discography is filled with numerous iconic albums that have left a lasting impact on the music industry. His debut solo album, “Off the Wall,” released in 1979, was a commercial success and established Jackson as a solo artist. The album featured hit tracks like “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” and “Rock with You.”

In 1982, Jackson released “Thriller,” which became the best-selling album of all time and cemented his status as the “King of Pop.” The album featured chart-topping tracks like “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Thriller,” and won a record-breaking eight Grammy Awards.

Jackson’s 1987 album “Bad” was another commercial success, with hit tracks like “The Way You Make Me Feel,” “Man in the Mirror,” and “Smooth Criminal.” His 1991 album “Dangerous” continued his streak of success with hit tracks like “Black or White,” “Remember the Time,” and “In the Closet.”

Chart-Topping Tracks

Throughout his career, Michael Jackson had numerous chart-topping tracks that have become timeless classics. In addition to the hits from his notable albums, Jackson had other successful tracks like “Ben,” which was his first number-one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1972.

Jackson’s 1983 single “Billie Jean” was a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and winning two Grammy Awards. “Beat It,” another hit from his “Thriller” album, won a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1984.

Jackson’s 1995 duet with his sister Janet Jackson, “Scream,” was another chart-topping hit that won a Grammy Award for Best Music Video. Overall, Michael Jackson’s discography is filled with numerous chart-topping tracks that have left a lasting impact on the music industry.

Posthumous Releases and Legacy

Posthumous Albums and Tracks

Michael Jackson’s death in 2009 did not mark the end of his musical legacy. Since then, the King of Pop’s estate has released several posthumous albums and tracks. In 2010, the first posthumous album titled “Michael” was released, featuring previously unreleased tracks and collaborations with artists such as Akon and 50 Cent.

The album received mixed reviews from critics, but still managed to debut at number three on the Billboard 200 chart.

In 2014, another posthumous album titled “Xscape” was released, featuring eight previously unreleased tracks that were reworked by producers such as Timbaland and Rodney Jerkins. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart, and received positive reviews from critics.

One of the last songs Michael Jackson recorded before his death was “Best of Joy,” which was released in 2011 on the posthumous album “Michael.” The song was written and produced by Michael Jackson himself, and features his signature falsetto vocals.

Influence and Impact

Despite his untimely death, Michael Jackson’s influence and impact on the music industry continues to be felt today. His album “Thriller” is still the best-selling album of all time, with over 110 million copies sold worldwide. The album features hits such as “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” and “Thriller,” which are still popular with listeners today.

Michael Jackson’s music also continues to rank high on streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music. In 2021, his hit song “Billie Jean” was added to Spotify’s Billionaire Club, a playlist that features songs with over one billion streams. According to Spotify, Michael Jackson has over 48 million monthly listeners on the platform.

His impact on the music industry can also be seen in the way other artists have paid tribute to him. In 2001, a group of artists including Usher, Mya, and Whitney Houston released a tribute album titled “Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration.” The album features covers of some of Michael Jackson’s biggest hits, such as “Jam” and “The Way You Make Me Feel.”

To Summarize

Michael Jackson was a legendary musician and performer who left behind a legacy of iconic songs. However, many fans are curious about what his last song was before his untimely death in 2009.

According to Smooth Radio, Jackson’s last performed song was “Earth Song,” which he rehearsed just hours before his death. The song was originally planned for his This Is It concerts in 2009.

While “Earth Song” was the last song Jackson performed, it was not the last song he recorded. According to Nicki Swift, the last song Jackson recorded was “Best of Joy,” which was released a year after his death.

Jackson also collaborated with his sister Janet Jackson on various projects throughout his career. One of their most notable collaborations was the song “Scream,” released in 1995, which became an iconic duet between the two siblings.

In summary, “Earth Song” was the last song Michael Jackson performed before his death, while “Best of Joy” was the last song he recorded. His collaboration with his sister Janet Jackson on “Scream” also remains a memorable and iconic moment in music history.